Seniors who enjoy corn can eat it on the cob, in a soup, or as a side dish, but this vegetable is more than just a tasty addition to a meal. Corn contains many nutrients that are specifically beneficial for a senior’s health. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Mississauga, shares a few reasons why your aging loved one should be eating more corn.
Keeps Eyes Healthy
Seniors are vulnerable to a variety of eye diseases as they age, including macular degeneration, cataracts, and presbyopia. Eating nutrients essential for eye health is key in keeping your loved one’s eyes working properly. Corn contains the antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein, which are found in the yellow portion of the retina and prevent damage from blue light, increase visual acuity, and reduce free radical damage.
Provides Insoluble Fiber
Many seniors experience digestive complications like constipation, hemorrhoids, and fecal incontinence due to age or as a side effect of medications. Because it can’t be digested, insoluble fiber can keep your loved one regular and prevent constipation. Additionally, insoluble fiber feeds the healthy bacteria that live in the gut, helping them thrive and stopping other digestive issues. Insoluble fiber can also help your loved one stay full for a longer time after eating, helping with weight management.
Lowers Cholesterol
Seniors who have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found the natural oil in corn has an antiatherogenic effect on cholesterol, reducing LDL levels. Researchers believe this effect is due to corn oil having an optimal fatty acid combination. These fatty acids work to strip the arteries of the LDL cholesterol that cause blood clots and inflammation.
Controls Blood Sugar
If your loved one has diabetes, it’s critical he or she keeps blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low. The phenolic phytochemicals found in whole corn can help regulate the release and absorption of insulin in the body, preventing your loved one from having high and low peaks in his or her blood sugar. Additionally, the insoluble fiber in corn helps keep blood sugar levels stable, which reduces the risk of developing diabetes complications like kidney disease, heart disease, and blindness.
A nutritious diet is essential for helping your loved one live a longer and healthier life. If he or she needs someone to help with tasks like cooking and grocery shopping, turn to Home Care Assistance. All of our caregivers are trained in the Balanced Care Method, an evidence-based program that focuses on diet and other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. For more information on hourly and live-in care Mississauga families rely on, call one of our friendly Care Managers at 905-337-1200 today.